Garcia likely to rejoin Phils after break

Luis Garcia pitches during a rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley on July 15, 2018 against Buffalo. (Photo by Cheryl Pursell)

Luis Garcia had a bit of a tough time in his first rehab outing with Lehigh Valley. On Sunday, he pitched with Lehigh Valley for the second time and threw a perfect inning needing just 10 pitches, eight of which were strikes.

Following the game, Garcia was getting hugs and handshakes in the IronPigs clubhouse. Lehigh Valley manager Gary Jones was somewhat tight-lipped after the game when asked whether Garcia would be returning to the Phillies after the break.

“He’s not going to be with us,” said Jones with a wry smile. Jones later mentioned that Garcia’s fate has been decided but he wasn’t at liberty to announce anything.

Garcia has been on the DL since June 16th with a right wrist strain. Ironically, Garcia was with Lehigh Valley where he ranks second in career saves with 39. Pedro Beato – still currently with Lehigh Valley – passed him early this season and has pushed the mark up to 55 through Sunday. Garcia pitched for Lehigh Valley in 2013, 2014 and 2016.

This season with the Phillies, Garcia is 2-1 with one save and 10 holds and an ERA of 2.43 in 32 relief outings.